A little over a year and a half since its launch, Bengaluru-based Optimo Capital has swiftly become one of India’s most prominent fintech NBFCs in the loan-against-property (LAP) segment. Founded by Prashant Pitti—veteran entrepreneur and EaseMyTrip cofounder—Optimo’s vision is both ambitious and sharply focused: to bridge the massive credit gap faced by India’s 48 million small-business owners, particularly those in tier-III cities who struggle with formal credit access despite owning valuable property.
Funding Momentum and Founder-Led Confidence of Optimo Capital
Optimo capital’s latest funding milestone is significant: ₹150 crore ($17.5 million) in equity and ₹110 crore in debt, aggregating a total fresh inflow of about ₹260 crore. The equity round was led by Pitti himself, with continued support from Blume Ventures and Omnivore, two of India’s best-known early-stage investors. Major debt partners include IDFC First Bank and Axis Bank.
The momentum started early: in March 2024, it secured a $10 million (₹83 crore) seed round, also co-led by Blume and Omnivore. What stands out is that despite the ongoing capital infusion, Optimo has achieved an uncommon feat for Indian fintech—profitability within three months of launch and steady bottom-line expansion for over 15 months. This is attributed to disciplined execution, prudent risk management, and a laser focus on profitable geographies and products.
Business Model and Tech-Driven Differentiation
Optimo capital’s core model centers on AI-powered digital lending secured against property—targeting mid-ticket loans for MSMEs who are asset-rich but “file-thin” (short on formal credit history). By leveraging digital land records (77 lakh and counting), tech-based valuation, and algorithmic risk assessment,it can offer:
- In-principle approvals in hours
- Full loan disbursal in under a week (versus the 4–6 weeks at most banks and NBFCs)
- Offers tailored for business expansion, working capital, or debt consolidation
The “phygital” (physical + digital) approach—branches in 56 cities but a digital-first distribution and processing layer—helps keep costs low and experience fast and streamlined.
Scale and Financials: Growth Without Compromising Asset Quality
The numbers reflect execution:
- ₹350 crore loan book within 18 months
- Presence in 56 cities across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh
- Gross NPAs at 0.6%—well below the industry norm, demonstrating credit quality amidst rapid scale
- Team size: 480 professionals
- Current year-end target: closing with a ₹650–700 crore loan book
Optimo capital aims to tap the ₹22 lakh crore mid-ticket LAP market, of which just 28% is currently addressed—a segment with high demand but under-penetrated by traditional lenders.
Market Vision and Social Impact
Prashant Pitti’s argument is clear: despite land and property accounting for 53% of India’s wealth, the national mortgage-to-GDP ratio is only 9%—far lower than in developed economies, where the figure exceeds 50%. By unlocking this value, Optimo is positioning itself as a vehicle for broader economic growth and grassroots job creation, helping small business owners leverage their biggest asset for new opportunities.
The Road Ahead: Tech, Trust, and Tier-III Expansion
With the new funding, Optimo Capital plans to boost its AI and platform infrastructure further, expand its co-lending partnerships, and continue its eastward and northward push into less-banked, high-demand geographies. The model’s speed, transparency, and inclusive underwriting stand out as a blueprint for fintech in India’s next chapter—where digital efficiency and local reach can coexist.
Optimo Capital is not just lending against property; it’s betting on the untapped spirit and ambition of India’s MSMEs—helping them turn bricks and mortar into economic momentum.
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